Amusement apparatus



Aug. 20, 1940.

L. D. DANFORTH AMUSEMENT APPARATUS 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 16, 1938 Lou/ls .D-

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AMUSEMENT APPARATUS Filed Nov. 16, 1938 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 I I INVENTOR. 9 Lou/5 D. Danfonh ATTORNEY Aug. 20, 1940.

L. D. DANFORTH AMUS EMENT APPARATUS Filed Nov. 16, 1938 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 1A\ EN TOR. for? A TTORNEY. E

Aug. 20, 19 0- L. D. DANFQRTH AMUSEMENT APPARATUS Filed Nov. 16, 1958 7 SheetsSheet'6 INVENTOR. D. Danforfh ATTORNEY.

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Patented Aug. 20, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT. OFFICE AMUSEMENT APPARATUS, Louis D. Danforth, Los Angcles, Calif.

Application November 16, 1938, Serial No. 240,697

Claims. (crews-9 5i The present invention relatesto game appa,.

ratus for amusement, and which apparatus has a field of play having a plural number of openings through which a playing piece must pass, and has for its principal object the provision of mechanical means to deposit said playing piece in a given position or opening, the attainment of which placement is visually recorded to form one unit of value or pattern of a total unit value or 10 pattern to be made.

A further object of the invention is to provide in a game apparatus having a field of play which is principally composed of openings through which a ball is adapted to pass, of means to control .15; the placement of a ball from a position removed from personal contact with the said ball.

A still further object of the invention is to provide in a game apparatus having a field of play which is principally composed of openings through which a ball is adapted to pass, of a pair of fingers positioned to swivel over said field, and being adaptedto convey and release a ball for placement within a given one of said openings in said field.

Another object of the invention is to provide a game apparatus having a field of play which is principally composed of openings through which a ball is adapted to pass, of means to record the passage of a ball through a given one of any of said openings whereby attainment of a predetermined score may be visually recorded pending the playing of a subsequent game.

a An additional object of the invention is to provide in a game apparatus having a field of play which is principally composed of a grid having openings through which a ball is adaptedto'pass,

of a pair of variably inclined fingers positioned to swivel over said field and being adapted to convey a ball to a given point in medial vertical 4 alignment with a given one of said openings,

ball may drop through an opening in said field, the passage of said ball being visually recorded to form one unit of value or pattern of a total and then being responsive to force whereby said.

invention may be observed from the accompanying drawings, the specification, and the subjoined claims.

In the drawings of which there are seven sheets: 7

Figure lis a semi-perspective view showing the exterior appearance of the body or housing of the game of this invention, also showing certain'of the features thereof which are brought into active use in playing the game.

Figure 2 is a front elevation of the score totalization board, the same being preferably positioned upon'the'topof the housing. of the apparatus'a fragment of which is shown.

Figure 3 is. a longitudinal sectional elevation 15; taken through the housing of the game apparatus to show interior construction thereof.

Figure 4 is. a view substantially in plan showing the spreada'ble fingers over which'a ball may be delivered to a scoring. point in the grid or field of play," the view also shows the tube through which aball is delivered to the spreadablelfingers, and shows without detail, the means used to spread the fingers and to swing the same over the. field of play. p 25 Figure5is a View in plan showing the hopper into which the played ball falls, and from which it moves to be subsequently used for replaying.

Figure 6 is-adetail taken on line 66, in Fig ure-5, showing a ball-in position to be lifted for.

playing, the viewshows in detail the relationship between the hopper and the ball lifting device or kicker. I u

1 Figure? is a view in elevation showing a portion of the tube through which the ball passes to its delivery point, also showing the electro-magnetically operated kicker to initially throw the ball upwardly through the tube.

Figure 8 is a view in plan being taken substan-. tially" on line' 8-- 8, in Figure 3, showing the grid used as a means to reset electrical switches used as a component part of the game' apparatus, and showing the means used to actuate the grid for the purpose of resetting the aforementioned switches, the ball receiving hopper is also shown in positionbeneath the ball resetting grid.

Figure 9 is a view taken on line 9-9, in Figure 3, showing one means of varying the angle of inclination of the base upon which the spreadable ball delivery fingers rest, also showing in-end elevation, onetmeans of raising andlowering the above mentioned base with respectto the playingfield or grid-through which the balls are intended to pass;

Figure 10 is aview showing one form of means:

used to swing the aforementioned fingers over the field of play, also showing an electric switch adapted to be closed, by the said finger swinging means, to electrically energize magnetic means to spread the fingers at any moment selected by the player or operator of the game.

Figure 11 is a detail showing a cam designed to raise and lower the fingers with respect to the field of play.

Figure 12 is a side elevation of one of the electric switches employed in the apparatus of this invention, dotted lines show the position of the switch when in closed position in contact with a shiftable grid which forms the second pole of the switch, and which is used to open any one of, or all of the switches simultaneously. 7

Figure 13 is a further view of the switch shown in Figure 12.

Figure 14 is an additional view of the switch, the view being substantially that taken on line |4-l4, in Figure 13.

Figure 15 is a detail showing a support for the swingable and spreadable fingers previously mentioned. l

Figure 16 is a detail showing the relationship between the mouth of the ball delivery tube and the base or heel portion of the spreadable fingers, one of the springs associated therewith being broken away to more clearly show the position of pins upon which the individual fingers rock when moved to spreaded position.

Figure 17 is a wiring diagram showing the electrical circuits employed in the apparatus of this invention, certain of the operating features thereof being illustrated in diagrammatic form only.

Reference will now be made to the drawings, wherein the game apparatus of the present invention is illustrated in sufficient detail to clearly set forth matters of invention.

In Figure 1 the reference character 20 indi cates in general; a housing or cabinet used to support and enclose the several operating elements of the game.

The cabinet 20 is formed with a top surface 22 principally formed of plate glass, although the end portions of the top may be formed of wood or other suitable material. Side panels 24, and front and end pieces 26 and 21 complete the enclosure of the cabinet, while an arm rest 28 projects from the front of the cabinet to form a convenient point from which the game may be operated.

A rectangular frame 34 is adjustably positioned within the cabinet by means of turn-buckles 35, the one end of which are suitably secured upon pins 35a projecting from blocks 35!) secured to the side panels 24. This construction, while variable in detail, is desirable as one means of changing the position of the head-frame with respectto the spreadable fingers as will be hereinafter set forth.

A head-frame 38 is held in fixed spaced relation to the frame 34, and horizontal thereto, by means of straps 40, while a collar 42 having inwardly sloped sides 43 forms not only a finish for the head-frame, but by reason of being patterned to snugly fit over and to surround the head-frame ensures that all balls which enter the area of I the playing field will of necessity enter some one. or other of the openings 44 in.the head-frame. The outer dimensions of the collar are sufficiently great to be either in contact with the side panels 24-.on the one hand, and to be in substantial edge alignment with a barrier strip 46 and an end baffle plate 49 on the other hand.

The baffle plate 48 is spaced from the upper edge 43a of the collar, to provide a transverse slot 50, the purpose of which will be hereinafter set forth.

The frame 34 provides a support for a grid 54 formed of heavy wire or equivalent material. The wires 55' extend over an area bounded by metalstraps 56, forming a checkered pattern which coincides with the checkered pattern of the head-frame 38. The several wires 55 are soldered or otherwise connected for the purpose of forming one pole of a switch or of switches as will be subsequently set forth.

Lugs 58 fixedly secured to certain of the straps 56, are hingedly positioned upon the sides of the frame 35 thereby enabling the metal grid, above mentioned, to rock through a given stroke to open any of the above mentioned switches which may have been closed.

An extensile springiifl secured to certain of the straps 56 and to the side-walls of the frame 34, yieldably holds thegrid in a normal nonfunctioning position, while a rod 62 which may be either .manually or electrically actuated is adapted to rock the grid a predetermined distance to open the aforementioned switches. The rod 62 is provided with a stirrup 62a atits free end, and extends upwardly to join one of the lugs 10 of a bell-crank 64. The lug '10 is secured upon a rod 61 which is journalled in the side panels 24, and is provided with a. second lug 69 in spaced relation to the lug H1. A link 66 connected with the lug 69 and a cross-member 68 secured in the side straps 56, completes the linkage between the stirrup and the grid 54, whereby the same may berocked to open any or all of the aforementioned switches.

A solenoid 12, the application of which will be readily understood, may be secured to a side panel 24 and acting upon the rod 62, is adapted to electrically move the same torock the grid 54 aforementioned.

A hopper 16 supported upon cross members 18, is positioned beneath the frame 34 and is adapted to receive any balls which pass through the head-frame 38 and to conduct them by gravity, due to an inclined slope given the bottom of the hopper 16, to a point of exitas willbe understood by reference to Figures 5 to '7.

The hopper is provided with a bottom screen having a slightly V shaped configuration, as well as a general slope to the forward end I60. thereof. A channel 80 formed by an end portion 80a and a side portion Bill) of the hopper frame 8!, and a'short wall member 82, is adapted to conduct balls 84 to a point of exit 86 indicated in dotted lines at 88 in Figure 5, through which the ballmay individually pass to rest upon the free end of an arm 90 which is fulcrumed upon the inner side of the end piece 26 in such manner as to cause the arm 99 to be quickly oscillated when the electromagnet 92 is energized. The magnet 92 may be conveniently supported upon a bracket 94, while a spring 96 or other suitable means may be employed to normally hold the free end 99a of the arm 90 in lowered position to receive a next subsequent ball to be lifted. A small plate 98 secured to the free end of the arm 90, is adapted. to follow movement of the arm and to momentarily cover the opening in the hopper indicated by the reference character 88.

" From the arm 90the balls are upwardly pro- 75 i jected through a tube I00, to a point of delivery upon the spaced and slightly converging arms I04 over which the ball 84 may roll by gravity to a predetermined point of release by a player.

The individual fingers or arms I04aand I04b are preferably formed of a light Weight metal, and are suitably secured upon the inner ends of extensions I06 of the arms WM and I04b. A spring I08 secured upon pins H0 and H2 located upon the under and inner ends of the extensions I06 is adapted to yieldably hold the arms in converging position.

The arm I04 is adapted to lie across and swing with a circular member II4 which is oscillatably mounted upon a rocker H6 whereby the arms may be swung through an angle of inclination to vary the speed of a ball rolling downwardly over the same, also, the rocker H6 is provided shafts IIEa and H611 which are journalled in cams II8 whereby the rocker plate II6 may-in the broader sense of the word, be raised and lowered, thereby raising and lowering the arm I04 with respect to the head-frame 38.

While it is true that the use of a cam will also cause a forward and rearward movement of the arms coincidental with being raised or lowered, nevertheless such motion is purely incidental and serves no practical function in the operation of the game. The cam being merelyshown as one means of raising and lowering the arm I04. A rod I20 operating in connection with lever I22 upon shaft I24 may be used to partially rotate the cams H8 to raise or lower the rocker plate H6. The rod I20 may have its free end in threaded engagement with the baffieplate 48 to afford a firmly controlled means of oscillating the cams for the purpose intended and then holding the same in any given position of partial rotation.

The circular member H4 is provided with pins I36 and I38 which extend upwardly from the top surface thereof, and are adapted to form fixed spacers for the extensions I06 of the arms I04a and I041), and also form fulcrum points around which the extensions may rock when required to do so.

A metal plate I40 extends across the top sur-. faces of the extensions I06 and is held in such position by reason of being secured to the pins I36 and I38 by such means as peening.

Small pins I42 and I44 are secured in the extensions I06 and are adapted to form points of attachment for a spring I48 (broken for illustration of adjacent structure) which is always under a degree of tension, thereby holding the extensions I06 in firm although yieldable contact with pins I36 and I38.

Rearwardly of the plate I40 and upon one of the extensions I06, I mount a small electromagnet I50 as shown in Figures 3 and 4, while on the other of the extensions I place a suitably sized iron mass I52 which is drawn to the magnet I50 when energized, which action causes the arms M411 and I041) to fulcrum upon the pins I36 and I38 to be spread a sufficient distance to permit a ball 84 to drop therebetween and to enter one of the openings 44, or to enter some portion of the area delineated by the collar 42 from which the ball may by chance, bounce or otherwise pass through the slot 50, or as above mentioned may as is more likely, pass through one of the openings 44.

In order that the arm I04 may be swung over the field of play, means must be provided to move the arms through an arcuate course over the head-frame 38. ..This I accomplish fashioning the member H4 into a pulley to receive a belt I54a. Rearwardly of the member II4 I position an idler pulley I54 mounted by meansof a.

bracket I54" upon theinner side of the end wall 26b of the arm rest'20. A spindle I56 having oneend extending through the wall 28b and having its opposite end journalledin a socket I58 formed in a'bracket I50a, is adapted to carry a pulley I560. which forms the driving means through the belt I540. to rotate the member H4 and hence to swing the arm I04.

The bracket I58a may be secured upon the structural member 280 of thearm rest 28, thereby forming a fixed bearing for the horizontally disposed spindle I56. As shown in Figure 10 the spindle does not occupy all of the area of the socket I58, provision being made to insert'a small spring I60 between the end of the spindle and the endwall of the socket, thereby providing a yieldable means to normally thrust'the spindle outwardly until the same is in normal non-use position as determined by the collar I67 in abutment with the inner face of wall 28b.

A boss I formed upon thebracket I58a, and extending a short distance laterally therefrom, forms a means or base of attachment for a pair of electrical contact points which form a switch in normal open position to electrically energize a circuit for functional purposes of the game as will be hereinafter set forth. A dielectric disc I69 is fixedly secured upon the" spindle I56 and is adapted to force the contact points I64 to closed position when the spindle is forced inwardly against the spring I60 by reason of pressure being applied upon the manually operable knob I69 located adjacent the exterior face of the wall member 28b.

The head-frame 38 is formed with a plural number of openings 44 which are created by the intersection of longitudinally extending and transversely positioned ribs 44a and 44b. The head-frame 38 is preferably formed with an upper section 38a and a lower section 38b, of which the lower section is permanently secured to the frame 34' while the upper section 3811 is removable or may be removed for the purpose of facilitating the placing ofscoring indicia upon the transverse ribs 44b if such indicia should be desirable in providing variations in the score sought in playing the game.

Each of the openings 44 is provided with an electric switch 200 which is positioned upon the rib 44b of the lower section 381 of the headframe, and is formed with a body portion shaped in the form of an invertedll having legs 202a and 2021) of unequal length. Each of the stated legs are drilled to provide bearing-ways for a swingable element 202 c formed of wire and which is the equivalent of a standard switch blade in function. The swingable element 2020 is oscillatable in the aforementioned bearingways as shown in Figures 12 to 14, and is provided with a portion'bent at right-angles to the portion within the bearing-ways, and which bent portion extends forwardly and slightly downwardly across the opening 44 with which the switch is associated, while the opposite end of theswingable element is provided with a downwardly and'reversely directed second bent in substantial simulation of a crank, which is adapt-ed to receive one end of an extensile spring 206. The opposite end of the spring may be secured to a fixed point such as min 208 in rib 44a;

A tongue 202d struck from leg 2021) during formation thereof, forms a convenient means to limit and hold the swingable element 2020 in substantially the position shown in Figure 14.

This construction provides a simple and practical switch which is spring held in open position as shown in full lines in Figures 12. to 14, yet a switch is equally well held in closed position as shown in dotted lines in the same figures of the drawings. The bars 55 form stops or switch terminals and are in common with all of the individual switches, however the bars 55 serve a function additional to forming. a common terminal for each of the switches, that is, the bars form a means to open any of the switches, which may have been closed, when the grid 54 is rocked in the manner previously set forth.

A score or totalization board is positioned across the cabinet 20 adjacent the rear portion thereof provides a convenient and practical means to register scores made, that is, to register and visually record which of the openings 44 a ball 84 has passed through, thereby closing a particular one of the switches 20!].

The board 351 is formed with a plural number of pockets 22D arranged in rows which are in horizontal and vertical. A ground glass plate 222 covers both the front and rear sides of the board 30, thereby concealing the pockets 22B and lamps 224 in each of the pockets. An electrical circuit joins one of the lamps with one of the switches 200 so that when one of the switches is closed one of the lamps 224 is lighted thereby forming a luminous pattern showing the order of closure of switches 200. Indicia in correspondence with like indicia upon the ribs 44b may also be placed within the pockets 220 and are of course visible when such scoring indicia is used and obtained in playing the game.

The circuits used to electrically operate the several parts of the game will be set forth in the following description of operation. All circuits employed in this game apparatus are schematically shown in Figure 17, no other detailed illustration of the circuits being shown for the reason that their inclusion with the other figures would only tend to create confusion in the drawings rather being an aid in understanding the same.

The game of this invention is played in the following manner which is merely illustrative of one version thereof, modifications and changes thereof being entirely within the purview of the player.

Assuming that a number of balls 84 are in the hopper I6 and that the player is seated in front of the apparatus, it is only necessary for the switch 220 to be closed which energizes the electro-magnet 92, through leads 22?. and 224a which are connected with a source of energy coming in over leads 226, which throws the end 99a of arm 90 upwardly, and throwing a ball 64 upwardly through the tube It'll), from which it rolls to the head I30 of the groove or space formed by the spaced arms IB4aIIJ4b. The ball 84 is now free to roll by gravity down the length of the arms aforementioned, which arms form spaced although gradually converging tracks, the inclination of which may be varied by movement of the rocker I I6, in cams 4 I8, by means of shaft IIGa, lever H6?) and rod III'ic which extends rearwardly, being in threaded engagement with baffle plate 48 for micrometric adjustment and positive control, while a crank Ilfid provides facile means to rotate the shaft or rod I I60.

The ball 84 as above mentioned is now free to roll by gravity down the length of the arms I04 to a preselected opening 44 in the head-frame 38, and may be swung over the entire area of the head-frame by simply turning the hand-grip I69 which turns spindle I58, pulley I56a and through belt I54a turns the member I I4 and associated parts including the arm I04 until the arm is positioned above the opening 44 into which it is intended that the ball shall drop, which latter act is accomplished by merely pressing inwardly upon the hand-grip I82, thereby carrying the disc I69 into contact with the switch I64, thereby closing an electric circuit through leads I59a and I592) in connection with the prime circuit 226 to energize magnet I50 and spread arms Ma and I 04b.

Depending upon the judgment and coordination of the senses of the player, the ball will drop into his preselected pocket 44, and if the particular pocket should be 44', such action will force the switch 280 associated with such pocket, into closed position to illuminate a particular lamp 224 in circuit with the switch 240".

Since lead 226a is common to all of the lamps 224, and since individual leads run from each of the lamps 224 to paired switches 200", all that is necessary to illuminate any particular lamp is to cause the portion 2132b of any of the switches 200 to swing downwardly and snap by reason of the pressure of spring 258 into contact with the bars 55' of the grid 54 which is in connection with lead 224 and 2253b.

Numerical values may be given to each of the openings 44, and each such value may be different, hence high score may be attained with a given number of balls played by placing balls in the openings 44 which have the greatest numerical value, and if the balls are placed properly such Value will be reflected in the totalization board 30, or any value less than the desired score will be recorded for each of the openings 44 are wired to a particular lamp, hence a score made which either operates for or against a player is also recorded on the board 30.

Instead of numerical value to be attained, it may be desired to place a ball in each of the openings 44 in any given row, or any other pattern may be followed for attainment, and if the balls are placed in the proper pocket, such proper playing will be recorded by illumination of associated lamps in the correct pattern.

If more than one ball S4 is placed in the hopper 75, all of the balls except the one being lifted by the arm 90 are excluded from entering the play by reason of the fact that the plate 98 is carried upward with the arm 90 and covers the opening 38 through which the balls move from the hopper to the arm 96, Continued play will call for utilization of each of the balls in their order of position in the channel 80.

After one game has been played in the manner previously set forth or in such variation thereof as may suit the player, and it is desired to reset the game for further play, all that need be done is to press downwardly upon the stirrup 512a which forces rod 62 downwardly to oscillate the bell-crank G4 and pull link 65, cross-member 68 and grid 54 in a rearward direction, thereby causing the swingable element 282?) of each of the switches 260 to be forced through their deadcenter position after which the springs 2% hold the elements 2020 in open position pending being next forced to closed position by passage of a ball 84 through one of the openings 44,01 the switches 200 may be reset by actuation of the solenoid 1 2 which'may be energized by closing switch' 240 conveniently located upon theside 24a of l the arm rest20. Figure -17 :shows the simplewiring arrangement'needed to operate the solenoid 12. v A lamp 250 may be installed to-illuminate the apparatus and'controlled in' any suitable manner by means of simple switch 210.

To make scoring easier or more difiicult it is only necessary to manipulate the several adjustments previously mentioned, that is; the angleo-f inclination of the arm lM may be increased or decreased by turning the crank [16d which through its associated linkage tilts the rocker plate H6 and the arm I04; hence acceleration of the ball 84 is directly effectedand this action increases or decreases the time interval in which a player must release the ball for placement in any given opening 44. Likewise if rod I is manipulated in the manner just described to tilt the rockable plate H0, then thedistance between the arm 504 and the headframe 38 may be varied and accordingly scoring is made easier or more difiicult. The linkage as- ,sociated with rod lzil although not shown in 38 may be raised and lowered to vary the distance between the arm I04 and the field of play by manipulating the turn-buckles 35 as a group or in pairs, which latter action will of course tilt the head-frame, so that the headframe may be readily raised or lowered and given any angle of inclination to further increase or decrease the facility with which the game is played.

A further variation of playing the game may be set forth as follows to give the player a degree of self exercised skill in placing the ball 84 in such opening 4 3 as the player my deem pertinent to more quickly finish his game.

Ordinarily the game of this invention is played with an associate whose sole duty resides in delivering the ball 84 singly to the player, however to add further interest to the game and to permit the player to exercise complete control of delivery of at least one ball during the game in the placement of which the player may exercise complete control and skill, the following described electrical circuit and accessories are included in the game apparatus.

A switch 300 suitably mounted as upon bracket 302 is adapted to be closed upon each movement of the grid 54, and as shown in Figures 3 and 8, comprises a cam 304 formed with a notch 306 which is adapted to receive a freely hinged latch 308 which may be pivoted upon the bracket 302. A pair of electrical contact points 3H] are mounted upon the bracket but are insulated therefrom, and are adapted to be forced into closed position when the cam is partially rotated by means of an arm 3l2 when engaged by an upturned extension 35 5 upon a bar 3H3 formed as an extension of the grid 50. A spring 3E8 attached to the cam and to the bracket 302 is adapted to partially rotate the cam 305 or to return it to the point of beginning when the latch 308 is withdrawn from the notch 306 by energization of the magnet 320.

The just described switch is included in the electrical circuit employed to bring the game apparatus within at least partial control of the player in themanner set forth in the first para-' graph of this page.

Inafurtherdescription of one mode 'ofplaying the game apparatus of the present invention, it will be assumed that the player has attained such ascore as to bring him within commotion of the grid 54 in resetting'each of the,

switches'-200closed"in the previous game.'

Upon energization of the magnet 92 a ball 84 is'deliver-ed to the player in the same manner as previously set forth, and the player is now free to release the ball into any one of the pockets 44 that may be necessary depending only upon the capabilities of the player. It may be 'a1so 1 stated that upon energizing the circuit leads 26L 224","224fincluding the switch 300, that the magnet'320is also energized through leads 26l; 26l", 26!", and lead 224a thereby releasing the latch 308 from notch 306 and permitting the spring 3l8 to partially rotate the cam and to release the contact points 3I0, thereby opening the just described circuit until the game has been finished and the switch is reset by the forward motion of the grid 54 as aforementioned.

It is believed the foregoing description of the game apparatus of this invention is complete and adequate, however, I recognize that it is conceivable that various changes and modifications and variations may be made in practicing the invention in departure from the particular showing of the drawing and description as given, without however departing from the true spirit of the invention as defined by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a game apparatus including a housing therefor and having a head-frame formed with a plural number of openings therein, through which a ball may pass to a receiver, swingable fingers, said fingers being formed of substantially parallel and downwardly inclined shafts in normal constant spaced relation, means to vary the inclination of said fingers, means to swing said fingers through an arcuate course over said head-frame, means to spread said fingers whereby a ball may be dropped therefrom to enter a particular opening in said head-frame.

2.A game apparatus including a field of play provided with a plural number of openings therein, said openings being adapted to receive and permit passage of a playing object therethrough, an arm having component parts forming a groove within which said playing object may roll, manual means for moving said arm over said field of play, and manually operated electrical means for separating the component parts of said arm to permit said playing object to drop through one of the openings in said field of play, in combination with means actuated by said playing object to indicate the opening through which said playing object has passed in said field of play.

3. A gameapparatus including a field of play provided with aplural number of openings therein, said openings being adapted to receive and permit passage of a playing object therethrough,

an arm having component spreadable parts forming a groove within which said playing object may roll, means to position a playing object be-- tween said component arm parts, the arm being in a position relative to said field of play to permil; the playing object to roll toward said field of play under the influence of gravity; manual means for moving said arm over said field of play, and manually operated electrical means for spreading the component parts of said arm to permit said playing object to drop through one of the openings in said field of play, in combination with means actuated by said playing object to indicate the opening through which said playing object has passed.

4. A game apparatus including a field of play provided with a plural number of openings therein, said openings being adapted to receive and permit passage of a playing object therethrough, an arm having component spreadable parts forming a groove within which said playing object may roll, said arm being in a position relative to said field of play to permit the playing object to roll toward said field of play under the influence of gravity; manual means for moving said arm over said field of play, and manually operated electrical means for spreading the component parts of said arm to permit said playing object to drop through one of the openings in said field of play, and means to position said playing object between the component parts of said am, in combination with means actuated by said playing object to record the opening through which said playing object has passed prior to playing a subsequent game with said apparatus.

5. In a game apparatus employing projected balls to effect operation of a predeterminedly selected play indicia means from a plurality thereof in a field of play, the combination of means to project a single ball over a field of play, said means comprising arms in substantially parallel, spaced and inclined relation one to the other, said arms being swivelly mounted to swing over substantially the whole of said field of play, manually controlled electro-magnetic means to hingedly spread said arms whereby a ball may be released to drop between said arms to selected indicia operating means, means to return the arms to normal position after having been spread, and means to deliver successive balls to said arms for subsequent release.

LOUIS D. DANFORTH. 

